TWENTY-FIVE houses were razed by a morning fire that struck Sitio Riverside, Barangay Lorega-San Miguel yesterday.

According to Fire Chief Insp. Noel Ababon, Cebu City fire marshal, the fire started in the two-story house of Zosima Alvarado.

He said that firefighters had a hard time putting out the flames because the houses were packed together.

“Our firemen placed a ladder outside the wall of the compound of the Department of Education Cebu City Division office to reach the interior portion where the residential fire hit,” Ababon said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection 7 received the alarm at 10:15 a.m. It was first raised to second alarm at 10:18 a.m. before it was raised to third alarm at 10:20 a.m.

The fire was placed under control at 10:39 a.m.

Electrical misuse caused the fire. Damage was pegged at P350,000.

One civilian suffered burns.

Ababon said the houses were made of light materials, which made the fire spread quickly.

The fire marshal advised the public to always unplug appliances, especially if they leave the house. (JOB)